Iraq needs extension of U.S. forces – President Barzani

ARBIL / IraqiNews.com: Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani announced today that Iraq is still in need of an extension of the U.S. forces because the Iraqi Army is not yet well prepared, calling on the Iraqi government to draft a new agreement, provided it respects Iraqi sovereignty.   In a conference for Kurdistan representatives abroad, held in Arbil, he criticized the double-face statements of Iraqi politicians on the subject.   “If the U.S. forces were withdrawn, there is a possibility of an internal war, as well as further foreign interventions and sectarian feuds”, he added.   He pointed out that the Iraqi Army is not yet prepared, nor is the Iraqi Air Force.   Barzani called on the Iraqi government to draft a new agreement, provided Iraqi sovereignty is preserved.   U.S. forces are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq by the end of this year, according to the security agreement signed between the two countries, but there are American circles that wish for further stay, while there are no clear cut view points by Iraqi politicians. RM (TI)/SR 515